What has contributed to the increased amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere today?

Question

Benjamin Awad · Accepted Answer

It depends on which greenhouse gas you are referring too.

The most talked about greenhouse gas is Carbon Dioxide. The things that are increasing the amount of it today are the burning of fossil fuels (coal and gas for example, are carbon based and release carbon dioxide when burned), and the depletion of forests as plants are what take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

The next greenhouse gas that is increasing (although not nearly as quickly) is methane. It is released from rotting material and as a byproduct of digestion. This is increasing in a couple of ways. The diet that most meat producing animals receive is not the best diet to reduce the amount of methane produced (yes I am talking about cow farts). Furthermore the sheer number of farm animals is quite high and therefore the amount of methane they produce is high.

The other thing that increases methane is the thawing of permafrost. This frozen material does not rot (cause it's frozen) so when it thaws and begins to rot it releases methane. Permafrost is thawing due to global warming which is due to increased greenhouse effect, so this is a feedback loop that is difficult to stop.

Wesley Alvey · Answer

undefined The increased amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere today is primarily due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, agriculture (especially livestock farming), and land use changes. These activities release carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.

Victoria Argento · Answer

undefined Several factors have contributed to the increased amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere today. These include:

1. Burning of Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

2. Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and other purposes reduces the number of trees that absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, leading to higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.

3. Agricultural Activities: Agricultural practices such as rice cultivation and livestock farming release methane (CH4), another potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Additionally, the use of synthetic fertilizers contributes to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions.

4. Industrial Processes: Certain industrial activities, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing, release greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide as byproducts.

5. Land Use Changes: Land use changes, including urbanization and land degradation, can alter the natural carbon cycle and lead to increased emissions of greenhouse gases.

6. Waste Management: Improper waste management practices, such as landfilling organic waste, result in the release of methane as organic matter decomposes in anaerobic conditions.

Overall, human activities, particularly those related to the combustion of fossil fuels, land use changes, and industrial processes, have significantly contributed to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming and climate change.